Dry Needling FAQs

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a physical therapy modality that involves inserting a tiny, monofilament needle into a shortened bands of muscles to decrease trigger point activity increase blood flow to the area. There is no medicine being injected into the body, hence the “dry” needle. This can be an effective immediate treatment for musculoskeletal issues and break the chronic pain cycle.

What are the benefits of Dry Needling?

Dry needling can be an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. It can also increase blood flow to the affected area, improve muscle flexibility and decrease muscle tension.

What does Dry Needling feel like?

Due to the small nature of the needle, you may or may not feel a small prick as the needle is tapped into the skin. As the needle is pushed into the muscle and manipulated, you may feel a brief ache. You also may feel the muscle “twitch”, which is when the muscle will involuntarily contract around the needle and then immediately relax, often translating to immediate tension relief.

Are there side effects to Dry Needling?

The most common side effects after dry needling are temporary muscle soreness or stiffness and mild bruising or bleeding at the insertion site. Mild bruising is not of any concern, and you can treat it as any other bruise you would normally develop. Heating the area with heat packs or heated blanket can help alleviate some post-needling soreness.

How many sessions will I need?

It all depends on your condition and the severity of your symptoms. Most conditions will resolve after 3-4 treatments, but significant relief can be felt as soon as after the first treatment.

Is Dry Needling the same as Acupuncture?

Dry Needling is similar to acupuncture as we use the same tool, the monofilament needle. However, the theoretical framework and treatment approach are completely different. Dry needling is rooted in Western medicine and focuses on trigger points in muscle and connective tissue to address musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Acupuncture is rooted in Eastern medicine, specifically traditional Chinese medicine, and is focused on balancing energy flow (Qi) along the body’s meridians.

What conditions would benefit from Dry Needling?

  • Can help address constant headaches and address tightness in the neck and low back muscles

  • This can be used to address tight upper traps, and tension in the rotator cuff muscles - improving shoulder mechanics

  • Can be helpful tool in recovery from ankle sprains to pulled muscles.

  • Can help alleviate chronic foot or heel pain